Principal Ecologist

Penguin Recruitment; Bury St Edmunds; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy based near Bury St Edmunds is looking for a Principal Ecologist to oversee various high-profile ecological projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong educational background in ecology, a membership with a relevant professional body, and experience in ecological mitigation. This role offers a competitive salary with excellent opportunities for career progression in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous annual leave

Flexible working opportunities

Professional training programmes

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Full Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) required.
• Minimum of one Protected Species Survey Licence necessary.
• Experience in ecological mitigation design and delivery is essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex, high-profile projects across the ecology sector.
• Authorship and peer-review of ecological reports.
• Provide in-house training and support to the Ecology Team.

Skills

UK planning systems knowledge

Ecological mitigation design

Excellent communication skills

Fieldwork and travel

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Ecology or related discipline

Full Membership of CIEEM

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Principal Ecologist
Ref. No.: CJD12025J
Location: Based near Bury St Edmunds
Salary: £43,000 - £53,000

This is the ideal opportunity to join a highly-respected, eco-conscious multidisciplinary consultancy, lending specialist consultancy services to a diverse range of projects across the ecological landscape. The client seeks an experienced Principal Ecologist to lead challenging projects with a growing team across renewable energy, residential, commercial, and infrastructure sectors, based near Bury St Edmunds.

Benefits

• A competitive basic annual salary
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Flexible working opportunities including Time off in Lieu (TOIL) for fieldwork during unsociable hours
• A supportive working environment encouraging collaboration and innovation
• Accredited professional training programmes
• Extensive career progression opportunities

Responsibilities

• Manage complex, high-profile projects across the ecology sector, including renewable energy, residential, and commercial opportunities throughout the East of England
• Author and peer-review ecological reports, including Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRA), and Environmental Statement (ES) Ecology Chapters
• Provide in-house training, support, and line management to colleagues within the Ecology Team
• Collaborate with wider teams and engage with clients and stakeholders (Local Authorities and other public/private institutions)
• Complete Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessments, interpret data across the Biodiversity Metric, and deliver practical solutions to clients
• Manage projects including preparation of fee proposals and tenders, adhering to budgets and timescales
• Design and implement Ecological Mitigation Strategies, including Mitigation Licences for endangered species (bats, dormice, water voles, badgers, great crested newts)

Required skills and experience

• Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) in Ecology or related discipline
• Full Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)
• Minimum of one Protected Species Survey Licence
• Excellent working knowledge of UK planning systems and environmental legislation
• Competencies in UK Habitat Classification and Habitat Condition Assessments
• Experience designing and carrying out ecology surveys informing ecological assessments and providing practical client solutions
• Extensive experience in ecological mitigation design and delivery, including Protected Species Licensing and Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW)
• Excellent time management and communication (written and verbal) skills
• Full, valid UK driving licence (with Business Insurance) and willingness to travel to regional sites

Desirable skills and experience

• Protected Species Survey Licences for bats and great crested newts
• Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC) Level 4
• Willingness to travel fair distances and stay overnight at some sites across the East of England

Job Info

• Company: Penguin Recruitment
• Location: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
• Posted: Sep 15th 2025
• Closes: Oct 16th 2025
• Sector: Consulting
• Contract: Permanent
• Hours: Full Time